Magpies bid for Charlton keeper Elliot

18 August 2011 02:00

Newcastle United are believed to be lining up a move for Charlton goalkeeper Rob Elliot after letting Fraser Forster return to Celtic.

Forster was given permission yesterday to head back to the Scottish Premier League on another season-long loan after excelling during a spell with Neil Lennon's side last term.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew has sanctioned the move despite using Forster on the bench as backup to Tim Krul for their opening game of the new campaign against Arsenal.Elliot, who is 25, is expected to complete the formalties of his switch from the Addicks before Saturday's derby against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. He is set to leave the Valley after making almost 100 league appearances for the club and his imminent arrival will place further question marks over Steve Harper's future with the Magpies.

The 36-year-old, who is United's longest-serving player, still has two years remaining on his contract, however, if he is now effectively about to become the club's fourth goalkeeper, he may be left with alternative but to seek a move away from St. James' Park.